The Fear Of Plastic Poison

Fear in being poisoned by plastic has become a global concern. The USFDA recommended consumers to reduce their exposure to these items.

Do you know that a chemical used in packaging can leach into your food and drink? In particular, a synthetic chemical known as bisphenol A or BPA, has caused a growing concern.

Bisphenol is found almost everywhere- ranging from hard plastic drinking cups, bottles, bottles and even to the lining of food cans. The US food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently recommended consumers to reduce their exposure to these items.

The Food Standards for Australia and New Zealand regarding the smaller exposure to BPA levels to be safe and do not cause health concern. But, in January, 2010, a US study has discovered the proof that associated the chemical to heart disease and diabetes among adults.

In regards to this concern, David Oakenfull of the consumer advocacy group CHOICE in Australia remarked that they would like to see the industry phase out the chemical and also he insisted that it was not necessary to use the chemical.

BPA has been used extensively primarily in polycarbonates. For instance, the epoxy resins that line tin cans as well as in hard plastics. Specifically, the softer plastics such as PET is used for soft drinks, peanut butter jars and bottled water; while HDPE is used for bags lining cereal packets, yogurt cups and milk bottles and is considered safer and BPA-free.

If you are in fear of the plastic poison, here is what you can do:

You already knew that BPA that lines the metal cans can leach into drinks and foods. So, you should switch your choice to cartons. You can actually look for juice, sauce, tomatoes or soup in cartons or bottles to reduce the chemical exposure. Instead of choosing the canned ones, look for frozen or fresh vegetables and fruits.

The old bottles should be tossed. Polycarbonate plastic which are mainly made from BPA are used nearly everywhere- in reusable drinking bottles and baby bottles. Even though it is durable and strong, the repeated use can cause the chemical leach into foods and drinks. Therefore, there is a growing demand for using BPA-free bottles and they are available in most stores or supermarkets.

While purchasing, always look for the numbers. Each plastic container is marked with a number. The containers that state recycle codes 3 or 7 may have BPA, while those marked with 1,2,4,5 or 6 rarely contain BPA.